INDIANAPOLIS -ÊKosciusko County farmers John Dome, Claypool, and Stan Moore, North Manchester have joined a prestigious list of more than 300 Hoosier agriculture operations recognized for outstanding farm management practices that protect soil and water resources. They are among 50 operations receiving the 2006 River Friendly Farmer Award presented at the Indiana State Fair Wednesday.

Environmental stewardship is the focus of the River Friendly Farmer Award, a program established in 1999. It is designed to recognize farmers who protect and enhance Indiana's rivers, lakes and streams by using sound cropping and livestock management practices in their operations.

"This year's winners represent 37 Indiana counties across the state," said Gene Weaver, president, Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, one of the award sponsors.

"They are men and women who make decisions based on the impact their choices will have on the environment. Economic viability is certainly an important criterion as well. These RFF winners also know a healthy environment sets the stage for a farm's health, not to mention the legacy it leaves for future generations," Weaver said.

Recipients were honored in the 4-H Exhibit Hall Auditorium on the Indiana State Fairgrounds. It was Farmers' Day at the 150th Indiana State Fair.

Joining Weaver in congratulating the 2006 winners were award presenters: Carol Hegel, second vice president, Indiana Farm Bureau Inc., and Andy Miller, director, Indiana State Department of Agriculture.

"Indiana Farm Bureau is proud to support this important environmental program," said Hegel, IFB second vice president. "We applaud the intelligence and persistence of these farmers who are being honored today for their consistent application of management practices that keep our soils and waterways productive and clean."

"While conserving our natural resources is the responsibility of everyone, I am pleased that we can recognize our farmers for doing their part in this important effort," said Miller. "Farmers make a living from their land, so it is even more important for them to take an active role in caring for it."

Other 2006 RFF recipients are Lynn Selking, Selking Farms Inc., Decatur; Davide Lewis, Charlestown; Jan Zurcher, Clay City; William and Gary Neese, Neese Farms Inc., Center Point; Mike Beard, Meadowland Farm, Frankfort; James Downard, Walnut Downs, Michigantown; Richard Young, Blue River Vally Farm, Milltown; Roger Wenning, Wenning Farms Inc., Greensburg; William Buchs, Waterloo; Larry Kummer, Kummer Farms, Auburn; Keith Hiatt, Hiatt Farms, Muncie; Roy Lynch, Roy Lynch Farms, Princeton; Jim Flanders, Flanders A-Maizing Grain Inc., Noblesville; Paul Maish, Myron Maish, Russiaville; Kenneth Poulson, Warren; John and Tami Hackman, Blooming Valley Farms, Vallonia; Tom Nesius, Nesius Farms, Remington; Donald Michael and Dwain Michael, both of Bryant; Terry Eaton, Oaktown;

Also, Mark Grossman, Wolcottville; Dewey Troyer, LaGrange; Jerry Roberts, W.S. Roberts and Sons Inc., Campbellsburg; Larry Southern, Williams; Chester Chattin, Loogootee; Jim Palmer, Palmer Family Limited Partnership, Indianapolis; Dianne Stoner, Denver; Ervin and Jeff Iceburg, Dillsboro; Anthony Bruggeman, Tell City; Kenneth Burgdorf, Mount Vernon; Keith Lockwood, Poseyville; Mike Martin, Greencastle; George Lucas, Scottsburg; Ron Hamilton, Greensburg; George Braden, Flat Rock; William Kern, Dale; Richard Lloyd, Chrisney; Larry Kensinger, Hamlet; Rick Kensinger, Hamlet;

Also, Dean Craig, Lafayette; Joe Steinkamp, Steinkamp Farms Inc., Evansville; Marty, Becky, Brad and Amber Burbrink and Casey Evans, Be-N-Ag Farms, Terre Haute; Brad Speicher, Speicher Farms Inc., Elberfeld; Don and Cynthia Southworth, Oakland City; Merwyn Fisher, Pekin; Eric Tedd Riley, Tedd and Tina Riley Farm, Brookston; Mike, Jeff and Kurt Hinen, Hinen Bros II, Columbia City; Brady Wright, More Family Farms, Columbia City

River Friendly Farmer award recipients are nominated locally by the county Soil and Water Conservation District (on the Net: www.in.gov/isda/soil/contacts/map.html) using criteria established for the program. [[In-content Ad]]